365 +1 The Heart I waited For

the sweetest human heart at the Levavot exhibition, Natanya

Sometimes the heart you are looking for is the most difficult heart to find.

This heart was so worth the wait!

I love you Motchi!!!!!

365! My Interpretation of the Last Supper: Eat Your Heart Out

sunglasses, t-shirts, bread, Tel Aviv

For the last supper of Levavot I served a four course meal where everything on the menu was heart-shaped:

My Interpretation of The Last Supper: Eat Your HEART Out

Thank you to the 13 amazing people in this picture, to winged cupid (Hugo) - and to everyone else who supported me throughout this year!

This evening was documented by Arterview...video to come....

The hearts in this picture support the following organizations:

* Ezer Mizion http://www.ezermizion.org/

* CLICK (Community Leadership & Intervention of Crisis for Kids and the Elderly) http://www.click-savi.org.il/

* Click to Give http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

* lone soldiers http://lonesoldiers.ning.com/

* Adam Teva V'Din http://www.adamteva.org.il/?CategoryID=388

* CHAI (Concern for Helping Animals in Israel) in helping to stop animal abuse http://www.chai-online.org/en/companion/emergency_abuse.htm

* brain research to fight disease http://www.psychobiology.org.il/

* Glickman center against family violence http://www.tel-aviv.gov.il/Hebrew/Human/Family/Emergency/ViolencePreventionCenter.asp

* PITCHON-LEV in helping the needy in Israel http://www.pitchonlev.org.il/len/

* SOS http://www.flix.co.il/tapuz/showVideo.asp?m=2614890

* Israel National Heart to Heart Association http://ivolunteer.org.il/Index.asp?ArticleID=544&CategoryID=122

* Beit Kobi http://www.kobi.org.il/en/

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

364. Love Conquers

flags, Modiin

When I saw these hearts waving proudly next to the flag of Israel I could hardly believe my eyes...Levavot: Hearts found throughout Israel...

Love Conquers!!!!

These hearts would love for others to help bring Gilad Shalit home. To sign the petition and find out more http://www.habanim.org/en/atzuma1_en.html

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

363. Caffeine

coffee grounds, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan

Just as everyone was dozing off Daniela found this.

Thank you Daniela for yet another heart!

Daniela's heart would love for others to support Yuvalim http://www.yuvalim.org/

*Content © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

362. Reserved Heart

crease in army tent, somewhere in the country

Ronnie is currently serving his army reserve duty and is feeling anything but love. As we were speaking on the phone he noticed the crease of his tent had a heart shape - even in the army love is lurking.

This hard to find, and reserved heart is located in a secret place in the country.

Ronnie's heart would love for others to contribute to Kvutzat Shekulo Tov (The group of all good) - an organization that helps mentally challenged people. You can purchase products made by them on the following site http://www.s-tov.org.il/

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

361. Happy Purim!

candy in mishloach manot (purim gift basket), Raanana

Happy Purim everyone!

Thank you Perli for sending me this heart!

Perli's heart would love for others to support Ezer Mizion http://www.ezermizion.org/

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

360. Hearts in the Neighbor-Hood

hood of sweatshirt, Tel Aviv

Orit is my neighbor whom I am just now starting to get to know. This morning as I went to return the plates from the food she brought me I found her covered in hearts.

This neighbor's hood proves there is love in my neighborhood.

Orit's heart would love for others to support Mishelet Lev (Make-A-Wish Foundation of Israel), which helps grants wishes to children suffering from life threatening illnesses http://www.makeawish.org.il/index_en.asp

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

359. Captured Moving Hearts from Gadi

frame from a video clip, link sent to me in Tel Aviv

The first time I met Gadi while we barely exchanged words, I felt as though he spoke to my heart. I later discovered that this rare feeling was felt on both sides - something I still don't understand, and perhaps in there lies the beauty.

Nearly two years later Gadi sent me this video requesting that I use the hearts for my 359th levavot. For copyright reasons I bring you the still frame with the hearts. To view the video click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_xE47nypRM&feature=related

These sweet hearts are part of a fleeting moment, and when captured the experience is completely different.

Thank you Gadi for touching my heart - again.

Gadi's heart would love for others to support (link to come)

*Content © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

358. You Say Tomahto, I Say Tomato

tomato, Beersheba

A man makes Aliyah to the desert, and finds love in the fruit of the land.

Brad excitedly told me he found hearts in the tomahto - I say he found hearts in the tomato.

Brad's heart would love for others to support Tel fed http://www.telfed.org.il/

*Content © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

357. Kosher Heart

soapy puddle on counter, Modiin

I found this heart in a kosher kitchen beside the sponge used for the meat dishes.

This kosher heart clearly prefers meat over milk.

This kosher heart would love for others to send kosher mishloach manot (purim gift basket) to the poor https://www.yadezra.net/donation_e.php

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

356. Love in 2010

Facebook status, read in Tel Aviv

I saw this heart this morning with my morning coffee. Later in the day I met up with Shira at University and we spoke about the "news".

And I quote her:

"I told him, today putting up your status on facebook is more serious than moving in together".

I will fill you all in: they already live together. That is the beautiful essence of Shira.

Shira's heart is invested in Hostel Nathan, a rehabilitative community for mentally disabled adults in Ramat Gan. The hostel is currently undergoing renovations, and is in need of plants, art work for the walls, and curtains. If you would like to contribute to this project please contact Shira: 0524-618-338

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

355. Heart-Felt

felt stuffed animal, Modiin

As I watched Tal playing with this stuffed animal I could see he was loving it. That being said, every time I went to take the picture his hand blocked the heart. It took many takes, but eventually this felt heart could be seen so that it could be heart-felt.

This heart seems to tell us that we should not give up on love.

This heart would love for others to support the Israeli Society for Autistic Children http://alutfriends.org/

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

354. Pouring our Hearts and Our Minds for the Sake of Love

ink on paper, Tel Aviv

Neta and I met up today for what I felt was the beginning of something great. With her background as a Dietician and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), and myself an Expresssive Therapist and Sex Therapist, we poured our hearts and our minds into what will hopefully become one fantastic program to help individuals suffering from emotional eating and a negative body image (anyone interested can contact me at levavot.hearts@gmail.com).

As we chatted about other matters of the heart, Neta's six and a half year old daughter Lihi's heart-shaped picture found itself on Levavot - I lev it!

Lihi's heart would love for others to support sick children http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=91280798803&ref=nf

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

353. Unconditional Love

specs of mold on persimmon, Jerusalem

Mmmm!

Old!

To eat, or not to eat: That is the question.

This heart loves unconditionally.

Thank you Rachel for sending me this heart.

Rachel's heart relishes in public art, and would love for you to join in on her fun. Check out her site and get to know Jerusalem in a unique way http://www.famouscatsofjerusalem.com/

*Content © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

352. Separation Fence: Love Knows No Boundaries

In July 2009 I went to the Separation Fence at the border of Tul Qarem in search of a heart. The soldier at the post told me that in order to photograph I needed to have written permission. So began the months long process trying to obtain both the permission and the heart. MANY phone calls and e-mails later I bring you....Two hearts from the Separation Fence at the border of Tul Qarem.

letter requesting permission to photograph at Separation Fence

permission letter from army to photograph at Separation Fence

Heart #1 found by me

cement, Separation Fence, on the border of Tul Qarem

These hearts prove that while we might need to go through alot of bureacracy and red tape, in the end love can be had. So, if you want something bad enough go get it!

Natanel was the sweet soldier on guard this morning who took care of my unique request.

Natanel's heart would love for others to help children with cancer http://www.israelcancer.org/home.html

Heart#2 found by Perli

spray paint, Separation fence, on the border of Tul Qarem

Thank you Perli for accompanying me to the border.

Perli's heart would love for others to support Ezer Mizion http://www.ezermizion.org/

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

351. KenYa

sun peeking through tree, taken in Kenya, received in Tel Aviv

The sun got down on one knee and asked the tree to marry him.

The world stood still....

Ken (Hebrew for yes). Ya (short for yes) - "KENYA!" said the tree.

Mina took this photo in Kenya. Gayle sent it to me. Thank you to both for a beautiful heart!

Mina's heart would love for others to support The Leshan Educational Foundation http://www.leshanfoundation.org/our-projects/the-project

Gayle's heart would love for others to support (link to come)

*Content © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

350. Ups and Downs

light on elevator, Tel Aviv

Today I stayed home sick and ironically noticed this downward arrow in the shape of a heart on the elevator.

When feeling down remember the lift must come down to pick you up - Enjoy the ride!

This heart would love for others to support Yad Sarah in helping sick, disabled and elderly people and their families http://www.yadsarah.org/index.asp?id=198

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

349. Praying for Love

silver 18th C. sidur (prayer book) cover, Diaspora Museum, Ramat Aviv

Today I joined a group of Olim (people who immigrated to Israel) on a tour of the Diaspora museum.

As they begin their journey of life in Israel, I am busy finding hearts and praying for love - gotta lev it!

If you too connect to your roots in Israel, and are considering making Aliyah (immigration to Israel), check out the Jewish Agency's web site http://www.jewishagency.org/JewishAgency/English/Aliyah/Aliyah+Info

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

348. Puppy Love

plastic, Tel Aviv

The morning after Valentine's day. I am on a walk with Hugo. As I pass a cafe I spot this heart on the ground. I stop to capture it. Another dog runs over to greet Hugo.

While I was busy with this heart Hugo and Ms. X were busy in love.

Hugo's heart would love for other to support SOS Pets Association http://www.sospets.co.il/16641/_About_SOS_Pets_Association

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

347. I Lev This

graffiti, Tel Aviv

V-day - no heart from a sweetheart.

Nearing the end of Levavot - feeling a bit tired.

This heart reminds us to "know hope".

This heart was just perect for today.

To see more of the know hope artist http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YjxTrY-zdk

Happy Valentine's Day!

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

346. Happy Birthday Miri

cardboard box, Caesarea

In a wizard of Oz inspired birthday gift - here represented the tin man's heart.

With everything in hand Miri needs only ckick her heels together and she will get where she needs to go!

Happy Birthday Miri!

Miri's heart would love for others to contribute to CLICK (Community Leadership & Intervention of Crisis for Kids and the Elderly) http://www.click-savi.org.il/

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

345. Petel

petel (raspberry flavored water) at bottom of plastic bottle, Tel Aviv

I haven't thought of the word backwash since the 80's - Gotta love backwash!

This heart would love for others to recycle!

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

344. Obvious Hearts

balloons, and other heart-shaped assortment, Tel Aviv

It's official, as I walked the city streets today Valentines day was taking center stage in the consumer's world. The hearts which are present every day suddenly become obvious to all, making people happy, sad, or indifferent - which are you?

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

343. Sweet Love for the Family

cookies and chocolates, Modiin

The love for Family Day is on our minds. At a nursery school for children with PDD (Pervasive Development Disorder) the children baked heart-shaped cookies, and filled their decorated boxes with heart-shaped chocolates....how sweet love is!

Hadar and Batya lovingly helped with these creations.

Hadar's heart would love for others to support Hasdei Naomi in helping to feed the needy http://www.naomi.org.il/len/apage/58083.php

Batya's heart would love for others to support Yad Sarah in helping sick, disabled and elderly people and their families http://www.yadsarah.org/index.asp?id=198

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

342. Don't Burn Bridges

graffiti, park Hayarkon, Tel Aviv

Today a new friendship began with an old friend. Moments later I found this new heart graffiti on this old bridge.

Sometimes, even a relationship with lots of love can grow into a new and different love if you take the time and effort.

Asi's heart would love for others to help bring Gilad Shalit home. To sign the petition and find out more http://www.habanim.org/en/atzuma1_en.html

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

341. Family Day is Approaching

paper and mixed media, Modiin

In preparation for Family Day this coming Sunday, chidren with PDD (Pervasive Development Disorder) decorated hearts and wrote messages of love to their family.

I couldn't resist asking the children what their hearts love. The following were some of the responses I got:

love

family

good animals

kangaroos

a bear that doesn't do anything

friends

rice and ketchup

the alef bet (A,B,C's)

balloons

lots of games

surprises

alot, alot, alot!

Sivan was the creative mind behind this art project.

Sivan's heart deeply cares about helping children with special needs, particularly ADHD http://www.telem.org.il/?page=treatment&id=9&m_id=2

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

340. Give us this Day our Daily Bread

bread, Tel Aviv

Ian's dreams have always seemed to be larger than life, and have have taken him all over the world. Today Ian is in Israel and we met for lunch and caught up on the past 18 months. It is beautiful to see that with lots of work a dream can in fact become your bread and butter.

Ian's heart would love for others to support Doctors Without Borders http://doctorswithoutborders.org/

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

339. Valentine's Day is Approaching

store window, Tel Aviv

Brad left the desert to come to the big city, this is what he found.

Thank you Brad for this heart.

Brad's heart would love for others to support Tel fed http://www.telfed.org.il/

*Content © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

338. "Odd Chicken"

Chicken, Tel Aviv

As I venture into the world of cooking I am having a dinner at my place tonight. The guinea pigs will be dining on curried chicken. At this stage, I make no promises about the taste, but this heart proves that this meal will be made with love.

A while after purchasing the ingredients I was speaking with Danielle (from yesterday's post), who frequently translates Hebrew expressions into English - I love when she spoke of someone as an "Odd Chicken".

This heart would love for others to ensure that those who are hungry can eat http://www.leket.org/english/

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

337. Wandering Heart

paper, stickers and ink, Raanana

My sweet friend Danielle moved offices today from the eighth floor of her building to the ground floor.

This heart loved being upstairs, and now brings love to those who are downstairs.

This heart tells us that no matter where you move in life love will follow.

Thank you Danielle for this heart.

Danielle's heart wants you to help many causes by simply clicking your mouse http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1

*Content © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

336. Take and Give

Chimichanga take away menu, Tel Aviv

It's been a long day - I came home tired and hungry. I hadn't yet photographed a heart, and was so happy to find this one waiting for me in my mail box.

This heart came to me. If I want what it has to offer I have to be active and then I will get it - it's a sure thing. This heart reminds us that in love we must give and take.

Now, the big question: Do I want it?

This heart from the Chimichanga take away menu would love for others to ensure that those who are hungry can eat http://www.leket.org/english/

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

335. Perli's Planner

calendar, cinema city, Ramat Hasharon

Thirty days to go, and something feels different - I feel my heart opening...

Perli's heart would love for others to support Ezer Mizion http://www.ezermizion.org/

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

334. Do not Judge a Man Until you have Walked in his Shoes

shoe prints in sand, Tel Aviv

These two crossed paths and formed a heart - I wonder if they even acknowledged one another up above?

This heart would love for others to support Women's Spirit in helping to financially empower women victims of violence http://www.ruach-nashit.org.il/page.asp?p=78

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

333. Imprisoned Heart

bicycle lock, Tel Aviv

This heart is deceiving itself. While at first glance it appears to be open, a further look will reveal that it is locked shut, and grips on to bars of steal. This poor, terrified heart is imprisoning itself - How I wish I could help it take the risk to being open. Anyone out there got a key?

This heart would love for others to support the rehabilitation of prisoners http://www.migdalohrusa.org/service.html

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

332. No Butts about it, I Love This Dog

fur on Hugo's backside, Gedera

No butts about it, I love this dog!

Hugo's heart would love for others to support SOS Pets Association http://www.sospets.co.il/16641/_About_SOS_Pets_Association

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

331. Tu B'Shevat

detail from metal sculpture made by Yoma Segev, scultpture garden, Gedera

Today is Tu B'Shevat, the celebration for the new year of the trees. Ronnie and I took a drive around Gedera to honor the greenery, and so came across this quaint sculpture garden. After capturing this heart we went to buy some dried fruit and wine, and so celebrated the holiday in traditional Israeli fashion.

This heart, made of horse heads looking at eachother face to face tells us that we must dare to let others see us to let love in.

This heart would love for othesr to support the History Museum of Gedera http://ilmuseums.com/museum_eng.asp?id=74

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

330. A Soap Opera Waiting to Happen

bath soaps, package received from Switzerland, Tel Aviv

Merci Grandmaman for everything which was in this package - and for these hearts!

These hearts are a soap opera waiting to happen.

My grandmother's heart cares about helping abused children: http://www.eliusa.org/home.htm

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

329. Taking a Break

logo of a yoga game for kids, Tel Aviv

Sometimes we need a break:

I wanted someone to help me find today's heart.

Megi wanted to procrastinate studying for her exam tomorrow.

This heart was part of a win-win situation - all parties involved got the needed break!

Thank you Megi for sending me this heart.

Megi's heart would love for others to help those with learning disabilties via Partners with Parents http://partnerswithparents.co.il/articlenav.php?id=75#help

*Content © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

328. Virtual Coffee with Daniela

coffee with milk, Tel Aviv

Daniela sent me this heart today with the following text attached:

"Have a nice day ;-) ! Miss you..."

The next best thing to coffee with Daniela is virtual coffee with Daniela -with a heart!

Daniela's heart would love for others to support Yuvalim http://www.yuvalim.org/

*Content © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

327. Letting Love In

hole in wall, Tel Aviv

To let love in we must break through the walls we have built up.

This heart broke through and is on its way to finding love.

This heart would love for others to know more about the separation fence dividing Israel from the West Bank http://www.securityfence.mod.gov.il/Pages/Eng/default.htm

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

326. Crystal Clear

crystal on bench, Park Leumi, Ramat Gan

Mervyn sent me this picture and begged me to put it up today. Sometimes persistence gets you what you want.

This heart was just sitting on a bench, and without doing anything it landed up on Levavot blog - sometimes being passive will also get you far.

Mervyn's heart would love for you to contribute to the animal shelter http://www.spca.org.il/english.php

*Content © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

325. Hand Painted Hearts for Me

acrylic on canvas, Raanana

Today Perli gave me this original, hand painted work of art - am I the luckiest person?!

Solid, glowing, pulsating, rainbow proud, broken and separate, metalic and protected, each one of these 15 hearts is an absolute treasure, and when put together I am in love!

Thank you Perli for bringing me this gorgeous work of art from South Africa.

Perli's heart would love for others to help with Ezer Mizion http://www.ezermizion.org/

Joel is the artist who created this work.

Joel's heart would love for others to support (link to come).

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

324. Hummus Hearts

ceramic bowls, Givataiim

Tonight at Vered and Hilton's we got to the heart of many matters - I am blessed with amazing people I can call my friends and my family.

Thank you Vered and Hilton for your love and these "hummus hearts", as Hilton called them.

Hilton's heart would love for others to help lone soldiers http://lonesoldiers.ning.com/

Vered's heart would love for others to support (link to come)

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

323. The Joy of Hiding is Nothing Compared to the Fear of Never Being Found

faded bumper sticker, Tel Aviv

The joy of hiding is nothing compared to the fear of never being found.

This heart loves that it was found.

This heart seems to modestly says that if you dare to be present love will find you.

This heart would love for others to support The Center of Organizations of Holocaust Survivors in Israel http://www.survivors-holocaust.org/english.html

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

322. Romanticizing the Past

photograph of canoe, Modiin

When I initially began Levavot I set out to shed light on the love which is around us which we are so easily blind to. Never did I dream that people would take it so much further than that.

Today, Idit brought me this photo from her family album. Her daughter, who had seen Levavot and clearly got its message, got excited when she found this heart-shape which was standing beside them on a family vacation.

While I look for hearts in the present, Idit's daughter found love in her past.

Now I am wondering, can I find love in the future?

Idit's daughter's heart would love other to support (link to come).

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

321. Corrective Experience

plastic bowl, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan

As a child Avi's mother would hide raisins from him because he loved them so much there would be none left for her cakes. Today, a grown man, a Couples Therapist and Sex Councelor, Avi looked like a little kid happy as pie, as he sat with a handful and shared this story with me.

For Avi these raisins served in a heart-shaped bowl were a corrective experience - Beteavon (Bon Appetit)!

Avi's heart would love for others to support Maagan in supporting victims of cancer and their families http://www.cancer.org.il/template/default.asp?textSearch=&maincat=43&catid=493&pageid=4484

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved

320. Keef

graffiti, Tel Aviv

Today it is raining in Israel - BIG TIME. I was happy to capture this heart close to my home which I had passed many times and saved for a rainy day.

Keef is the hebrew word for giving a high-five.

As I captured this heart I wanted to give it a keef!

This heart would love for others to support Israel at Heart in helping to promote a better understanding of Israel and its people http://www.israelatheart.org/aboutus.php

*Content and photo © Nomi Helene 2010. All Rights Reserved